MANILA, Philippines - The ’90s? So back, according to Uniqlo’s Instagram (plaid, plaid and wait for it more plaid) and the spring-summer campaigns of Saint Laurent (which features ’90s fixtures like Courtney Love and Kim Gordon) and even Prada, which left the ’50s housewife aesthetic its clung to over the past few years, only to embrace a grungy tenor to its styling (stringy hair, bare skin, a visible eyebag or two).
The Seattle-born, ’90s-era trend reached its zenith in the Marc Jacobs-Perry Ellis era, when Jacobs sent out oversized knits, louche plaids and beanies, all cloaked in air of weary coolness, down the runway to the shock of the immaculately-garbed guests, who had yet to understand that crop tops and army boots would soon replace sleek tunics and stilettos. (So: Kurt Cobain vs. Patrick Bateman; Shalom Harlow vs. Stephanie Seymour.)
Now ’90s kids, born when the trend was in its infancy, are re-visiting grunge, this time imbibing it with luxe details (lush textures, shiny, fancy elements) anathema to the original incarnation — a response to the overzealous conspicuous consumption that characterized the ’80s.
YStyle shot five young ’uns for their take on the new grunge. The surprise? Not as much plaid as you’d think.
Garovs Vergara, 27
Housewife, EverywhereWeHouse!/creative director, EverywhereWeShoot!
First memory of grunge?
Winona Ryder, Reality Bites
What’s your take on the trend?
Slip dress and plaid skirt a la Kate Moss and Johnny Depp era. I normally dress up like this. I’m still not over the ’90s.
How do you put a luxe spin on grunge?
Dolled-up hair and makeup. Use a gold dress as a top.
Pat Bondoc, 27, and Rik Rasos, 28
Proudrace designers
First memory of grunge?
Watching Alternative Nation on MTV. And getting a cassette tape of Nirvana’s Nevermind record.
What’s your take on the trend?
Pat: I wore an Alexander Wang long-sleeved tee with 5-cm shorts, a leather hooded jacket and Comme des Garçons x converse jack purcell
Rik: I’m wearing a Uniqlo hoodie, Proudrace T-shirt, coated denim, Keith Haring cap, Alexander Wang jacket and Comme des Garçons x Converse hi-tops.
How do you put a luxe spin on grunge?
All black everything. Mixing hi-lo brands.
Mica Javier, 23
Model, recording artist
First memory of grunge?
Streets of East Village, NYC, when I first moved there for college.
What’s your take on the trend?
Neo grunge is totally a part of my style, effortless yet chic, rock and roll gone street. I’m all about layering, drapey pieces and mixing textures. The best part is you don’t have to do much for it to be worn casual or dressy.
How do you put a luxe spin on grunge?
Add some dope heels and it instantly transforms the look, also infusing accessories, sequins or leather, and modern cuts turns it luxe for me.
Will Hsu, 29
Publicist / marketer
First memory of grunge?
My camp counselors who would sit in front of the bunks after dinner playing their acoustic guitars dressed up like Kurt Cobain.
What’s your take on the trend?
Stylized, comfortable Americana.
How do you put a luxe spin on grunge?
Pairing your outfit with a nice, fitted jacket or blazer.
Photos by SARA BLACK
Makeup by Angelique Dinglasan and Patrick Alcober for Shu Uemura
Hair by Kristel Matias of FIP